Bluff residents shelter in place, San Juan County schools closed due to flooding

BLUFF, San Juan County — An evacuation order for the town of Bluff was lifted on Monday after residents were asked to shelter in place or move to higher ground because of floodwaters.

Residents received the request at around 3 a.m. after the Cottonwood Wash slot canyon began flooding, according to a San Juan County Facebook post and the Utah Division of Emergency Management.

The town of Bluff advised residents returning home to remain alert and to monitor weather conditions in case the situation changes again.

"If your home or business experienced flooding, please contact the Town of Bluff or Bluff Fire Department before restoring electricity or entering areas where electrical systems may have been exposed to water," the town of Bluff said in a Facebook post. "Ensure the area is safe before proceeding."

Earlier in the day before residents returned, San Juan County posted an update, saying the Comb Wash Bridge was washed away.

"Highway 163, west of Bluff near the junction of Highways 163 and 191, is CLOSED due to the Comb Wash Bridge being washed out. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS," the post said. "Avoid the area, obey all road closure signs, and use alternate routes. Flooding continues to create dangerous road conditions."

As of 5:06 a.m., U.S. 191 was reopened in both directions between Moab and Monticello.

San Juan County set up an evacuation center at San Juan High School in Blanding and asked the public not to drive through floodwaters.

Colby Turk, with the sheriff's office, told KSL officials to expect water levels in the San Juan River to rise.

"There is no rain currently, but we expect another surge of water from all the storms in Colorado yesterday to increase the San Juan River either tonight or tomorrow that will come through Aneth, Montezuma Creek and Bluff," Turk said.

San Juan County government offices were also forced to close Monday due to weather, ongoing floods and concerns for public safety.

"Emergency response and essential public safety services will continue operating," San Juan County officials stated. "We appreciate everyone's understanding as we continue to monitor and respond to the ongoing weather conditions throughout San Juan County."

In addition, the San Juan County School District was also forced to close all schools on Monday due to weather, flooding and road conditions. The school district said Montezuma Creek Schools would also be closed on Tuesday and students would participate via virtual learning.

"Conditions will continue to be monitored," the school district said in a Facebook post. "Please check the school website, your email, and the SJSD app for school-specific information and additional updates."

'We will get through this together'

San Juan County residents experiencing an emotional toll from recent floods can call a disaster distress helpline, according to the Utah Division of Emergency Management.

"You do not have to lose your home or experience physical damage to be affected by a disaster," the emergency management said in a social media post. "Whether you have experienced flooding firsthand, have been displaced, are worried about loved ones, or are simply feeling the stress of everything happening around us, someone is available to listen."

People who call or text the disaster distress hotline at 1-800-985-5990 can find free, confidential emotional support, crisis counseling for disaster-related stress, support for individuals and families impacted by disasters, assistance 24/7 and services in multiple languages, the division said.

"Our communities are strong, and we will get through this together," the post stated.

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